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Behind the Scenes at SMEConcerts and Snippetsby Rachel, Mark, Becky, Ben, Sherlyn |
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From: Lunette339 (Rachel Herndon) Scraping the glass away from the edges, Mira tossed the knife in through the porthole, then stretched out with both hands to grasp the rim. After this, no turning back. No matter. She knelt on the rim of the Fortune's porthole, and kicked free. ... "-and CUT!" I yell, pulling off my glasses. Mira looks over her shoulder in disbelief, snarls at me, then drops into the safety net stretched between the two ships. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I stare down at the package the courier from Sherlyn's production company just delivered to me. And sneeze. Oww. My sinuses feel like someone's keeping sea urchins in them. Why did I have to get sick now? I've got a dozen things to do... "Anything wrong?" asks my right-hand man, looking over my shoulder. I sniffle. "I think I'm going to give everyone the afternoon off. I want to do some work up in the Gallery." I point up to the roof of the enormous cavern we're in, to where a spiral staircase pierces the roof. My Backstage is underground; hey, it was getting crowded up there, and more than a little chaotic, or so I hear... "You're going to WHAT?!" Mira cries, having untangled herself from the safety net and stalked over to my side. "Do NOT tell me that scene was for nothing!" ...Of course it's not exactly the Elysian Fields down here, either. Plus it's hell to heat; I think that's why I have a cold. "Do you hear me!?" Mira continues. "If we have to refilm those, I won't be happy AT ALL!" I sigh. How did I get stuck with the typical temperamental leading lady? I wanted the strong, silent type, not a prima donna who always gets extra-worked up during her big scenes. "Gene, if you can..." I mutter to my right-hand man. He gets the idea instantly, and puts his arm around Mira's shoulder, mollifying her- and steering her away from me. Great guy, Gene Skullovitch... once known as 'Skull.' Used to be half of the comedy relief on 'Power Rangers' till I wrote a 'fic that gave him a starring role most sidekicks would have killed for. He was a dream to work with, so on this job, he's my stage manager. My days of writing five-team fiction may be over, but I couldn't leave Skull behind. "Hey! Boss! Can we take a break, too?" Lexan, Pell, Terebi and Yasura's stand-ins- aka Tommy, Rocky, Katherine and Jason- wave to me from the Fortune's deck. "Sure, guys." I call back absent-mindedly, ruffling though the papers. "Just be back in ten." Okay, okay- so Gene's not the only remnant of my sentai days around. The truth is I couldn't leave any of them behind. Oh, it's not sentimental- there's just too many half-done stories I've got no intention of finishing, so I've got the whole damn crew under contract till 2010! I'm not one to waste resources... not even these... so I reassigned them. And they've settled into their new jobs pretty well. Speak of the devil, as I head for the staircase, the team in charge of research and special effects hustles over. "Before you leave, we need to talk..." Billy says. "What's up?" Trini looks at Billy, standing next to her. He shrugs. "Well... we aren't trying to be one-hundred-percent historically accurate, are we?" she asks. Hmm. That doesn't sound good... I sniffle as Gene comes up to the base of the staircase to join our little group. "Well, no, this is the Silver Millennium after all. Why?" "Oh, nothing. It's just that ships like that wouldn't have portholes." Billy grins nastily. "WHAT?" Oy. "Well... perhaps there's some reason that a space faring ship would have portholes, when a seafaring ship wouldn't?" Gene points out. "Oh, sure. If they wanted to weaken structure integrity by a significant factor. Or increase the chances of explosively decompressing the hull..." Billy rolls his eyes. Jeez, when did he get so sarcastic? Oh yeah. During the production of that unfinished angst-fic where I destroyed his life... yeah, real original, but oh well. I shoot him a glare. "Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention." He grins, Trini shrugs apologetically, and they both leave. So now it's my problem? Great. I stare off into space and try to think about something other than my nasal cavities. "Well?" Gene asks. I look down at him and sniffle a contemptuous sniffle. "Damn the anachronisms! Full speed ahead." Gene grins, gives me a goofy salute, and heads back to the set. I shrug, and head upstairs to the Gallery, clutching Sherlyn's package. After about three flights, I can't stand it any more, so I sit down and rip open the package. Someday, I've got to install an elevator... hey, neat pics. I stand, and keep climbing the stairs as I look them over, mentally sorting them into pictures that can be released now, and pictures that can be released later. By the time I reach the top, I've got a plan worked out to put all the pictures into place, and all that remains is to do it... I smile as I frame the last picture, a sketch of Mike, and hang it between Aurium and Argent and the Earth-Beta Senshi. "Done." I sigh, sneeze, and check over the main wing once again, just to make sure no pictures are hanging crooked and the captions are all correct. Hmmm... everything's looking good, so I guess it's time to throw open the doors. I do so with a minimum of energy, calling "Open for business!" Then I trudge back to my personal studio and lock the door. Turning out the lights, I stretch out on the couch. One thing I didn't realize was how exhausting all this would be! I take off my glasses and close my eyes. Naptime. I drift off, not noticing anything, until... KABOOM! I jump ten feet in the air as the whole Gallery shakes. "What-in-the-seven-hells... oh. It's the blow-up-the-Fang scene. No biggie..." I sigh, sniffle and lie back down. A long ten seconds passes. "WAITAMINUTE, I told them to do the explosion in CGI!!" I yelp, leaping for the door, shoving my glasses back on, and tripping over an easel in the dark. Damn! I turn back to clutch a box of tissues, and head full speed for the stairway, turning around to straighten a frame or two that got knocked off-kilter by the explosion, pausing to sneeze, then dashing for the steps. I guess an artist's work is never done... * * * *sniff* Damn sinuses. Well, the page is updated anyway. Enjoy. :) - Rachel From: "Mark Latus" Behind the scenes - The Sound of Music & Other Things With the holiday season fast approaching things are reasonably quiet around here for a change around. Except for the workaholics like me who've committed themselves to too damn many projects and are always behind schedule. Berk tries to stop me as I dash by the canteen but I've got too much to do so I keep going. He's shouting something about creative burnout and carpal tunnel syndrome but I'm not really listening. There's too much to do today. My mind's on other things, which is how I walk into someone without noticing. Literally. Everything's blurry until he moves and I realise I was standing inside whathisface the new guy's character. Matthew ... no, that's his creator's name ... Murray? No, Marty! That's it, Marty the ghost. The guy who's going to flesh out some of the other countries in the Crystal Tokyo era. Kind of ironic for a guy who's as far from flesh and blood as you can get but maybe that's the point. I ask him but he's kind of pissed off about our collision and stalks off. I'd forgotten he hates people walking through him. To be fair we've got so many characters these days it's impossible to keep track of all their quirks. At which point a pack of second generationers pass by engrossed in conversation and reminds me I'm more than a little to blame for that. Getting so you can't tell the characters without a scorecard. Maybe it's time to revive that idea about a character description page. With art links to their portraits ... I file that under "have someone else do the dirty work" and continue on my way. I'm almost at the soundstage when the Knightsabers emerge from hiding. Only the four originals but that's bad enough. I can just guess what they want. Priss growls, "Two years! That's how long we've been waiting for a third story while you mess around with this shojo crap!" "That's a little unfair. I got you into that crossover!" Where the hell's security? I told them to keep the Sabers off the set. Oh hell, I gave Danny the day off to read through his dialogue for Season. "Different universe. Beside we're sick of sharing the spotlight. We're stars, why do you fanfic writers keep dumping all this extraneous crap on us?" I'm a bit surprised Priss knows what extraneous means but I decide not to mention that. "Where's our damn story!" It's impossible to read expressions on a hardsuit but somehow they all look hostile. Of course all the weapons pointing my way are another clue. Think fast Mark. "Er ... Chris Davies convinced me I was absolutely evil for writing Knights' End so I've abandoned the series until the great god of fanfic writers forgives me." "So it's all his fault! I think we need a little trip to Alberta." Sylia nods and slides her blades out of their sheathes. "I wanted to have a few words with him anyway!" There's a general rumble of agreement and they head off in search of a warpgate to Earthside. Soon as they get back I'll send word that once I complete "Triangles..." we're getting serious about shooting HS. I'd have told them that but they'd have insisted I get on with their story immediately. But right now the iron is hot and I don't want "Triangles ..." ending up another incomplete piece awaiting finishing at some indefinite time. I didn't like lying to them like that and it'll be hard on a guy many fans revere as the Shakespeare of our medium but screw him if he can't take a joke. Besides anyone who tells me Daniel Dumas is my avatar has it coming. Anyway now the interruptions over with I can get to work. Or so I'm planning but despite running late I see someone interviewing Ami and Magnesite just outside the soundstage so I stop listen. It's always a good idea to hear the stories your characters are spreading about you. Magnesite's doing most of the talking at the moment. "... so I'd been between parts since Kingdom wrapped up in the summer and with Casablanca stalled in favour of other projects I wasn't doing much more than hanging around hoping for some comedy relief work. Most excitement I got was when that wannabe sent in that "Margrave gets framed" idea but that never went anywhere so I was ready for anything. Even so I was a little surprised by this director's cut of "The Babe Wore Blue". I'd figured that was in the can, over and done with months ago!" Ami chips in. "Mark's calling it a director's cut but the truth is he had to shoot the new footage or Babe wouldn't work anymore. See he was already shooting it when Ben came along with Starhunter and if you give me a cop for a husband you have to wonder why I don't have him investigate. But like I said by then he was already shooting, and it was too late for rewrites so he finished it using the original script. But since the whole premise needed "Crystal Renegades" to work and Andy still hadn't finished shooting most of the episodes he had a completed story he couldn't send anywhere that wasn't showing CR. So that froze him out of RAAC which meant Babe was limited to the smaller SM circuit. Of course Andy did finish CR but by then Mark was too busy with Kingdom to worry about a distribution deal. When that was done it was onto the next project. It was only recently he remembered Babe still needed its big release." They're asked if they objected to reworking a story they thought over and done with. Magnesite answers first. "No, as I said I was at a loose end and I wanted this story released to a wider audience. It's not just a matter of my ego and becoming a bigger star. I think we had a solid story and I wanted to share it with everyone. Anyway it's not like we reshot everything. Just the office scenes with me and Ami, most of the royal court dialogue was just redubbed over the existing scenes." Ami adds, "The new scenes clear up the potential continuity errors and I'd much rather the whole story didn't depend on readers not noticing glitches. Besides after Kingdom working for Mark without wearing a ton of makeup is a real plus." She takes Magnesite's arm and he suddenly looks a little flushed. "Not to mention I'm always ready to work with Mag-chan." Magnesite is looking royally embarrassed and mutters something about not in public and I figure I've seen enough. No real surprise I suppose. Ami always did like a well-filled trench coat. Anyway I've dawdled long enough. Time to get this special bonus shot! Arriving on set I'm happy to see everything's in place. However the band's looking restive while Azurite and Pyrite are discussing something. As they're both holding the shooting script this could be trouble. They spot me and I head over. Azurite's looking the very picture of a torchsinger in that blue, off-the-shoulder dress with matching gloves. Pyrite looks a bit awkward in that black suit but I know from past experience he'll look a lot sharper in front of a camera. As always Azurite takes the lead. "Mark, I want to talk about this scene. We never met as children, 'Triangles' makes it clear we first met as teenagers/adults so it doesn't work!" Pyrite nods agreement. "Also, if you want to get really pedantic, our timeline has us disappearing in early '95 while the film and soundtrack were released in '96 so we never saw or heard them." "Dramatic license. It's only a music video so anything goes. Besides this is a great undertaking!" My voice swells dramatically as I intone, "The special bonus feature for the release of 'Triangles Have Sharp Edges'! The first SME music video, another of my brilliant steps forward. Not to mention it's been months since the last Behind the Scenes piece and people are clamouring for them!" I'd feeling like a true pioneer. At least until Pyrite apologetically responds, "Actually Frank did the first video months ago and it was an original song. Remember Ferrite doing 'Addicted to Dubs'?" My mood slips further when he goes on, "And as for the first backstage bit in ages what about all the Niichuan Nin...?" Azurite clamps a hand over his mouth before he can say it and I explode. I hate being reminded I'm now aquatically challenged. Far as most of us are concerned NN joins SS on the list of terms you do not say aloud in our presence. Gritting my teeth a bit I tell them. "Let's get to our places shall we? SFX, you ready? Good. Video mixing all set? Music?" The band asks for a minute for another sound check which we use to test Azure's microphone is working fine. All clear. "Okay, this is a take. Everyone ready? Then action!"
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{Lyrics end and the music begins to fade as Pyrite steps out of the shadows behind her looking sheepish and holding a bunch of roses. She pulls him into a kiss and he drops the roses in surprise. Pyrite and Azurite fade into silhouette and we track in on the spilled roses. The scene goes silent and we fade out} ----------------------------------------------------------------------
"And cut!" The lights come back and I see Azurite and Pyrite are still liplocked. "Okay, you can break it up now." They don't show any sign of hearing so I just shrug and get back to the rough cut of the video. Another masterpiece. That's when I hear a cough from about knee level. I look down to see a much shorter than usual Calcite. "What happened to you?" "You forgot to reset me to normal after I shot that kiddie scene. Now if you don't mind ..." "Actually you look kind of cute like AIIIEE!" I note a new rule. Unless wearing steel toed shoes it is unwise to insult midgets who can create mallets at will. I hop over to the Superdeformer and input the new code. After the recent trouble with our female contingent we decided it would be a good idea to take a few safety precautions when it came to our magical special effects artifacts. So we put them all under lock and key with only one of us guys having the access code for each item and rigged them to explode if tampered with. Far better to have them destroyed than fall into the hands of those whose initials lie between M and O. Anyway with the machine unlocked I throw it into reverse and return Calcite to his rightful shape then shut it down and relock it. Can't be too careful. Not these days. I look at the clock and wonder if I've got time to catch a nap before I get back to Triangles. At which point I realize Azurite and Pyrite have disappeared so the question is moot. I feel an urge to go help edit the video but I decide taking a few hours to rest up can't hurt. So I give a few last minute orders to the editors before slumping off to my office. So much to do, so little time. I'm exhausted and my hands are going numb from typing all the scripts. I really must enjoy this, why else would I put myself through it? Well whatever doesn't kill me can only make me stronger. I hope. End From: "Mark Latus" Scene shifts to Ferrite in front of backdrop marked "Saban presents Superteam Negarangers!" muttering about how nobody told him his contract required him to do voiceover work for other series. Suddenly realizes the camera is on. Ferrite: "Coming soon, the Bogasity they said couldn't be written ..." Offstage: "I said shouldn't be written, hey let go!" {sounds of a scuffle then silence.} Ferrite: "Coming soon, the Bogasity they said couldn't be written as Titanite visits the world of {gags slightly but he's a pro} 'SUPERTEAM NEGARANGER!'" How will she deal with these strange new versions of SME's most beloved characters ... Say what! Who wrote this! What about me? Or Charon? Or Tom? Or Chrysolite? Or Marty? Or the Youngers and the cats? Or ... who am I forgetting?" {A Flame Sniper, Love and Beauty Shock, Aqua Shine Rhapsody, Oak Evolution and Honeymoon Therapy Kiss zoom by barely missing his head and obliterating his fedora. Sweatdrops but voice doesn't waver} "Or the true stars of SME, the Sailor Senshi!" {Offstage mutters of 'damn right' & similar sentiments. Ferrite wipes forehead, pulls script out of pocket and finds his next line. Starts reading aloud as picture changes to blond, teenage Calcite in a school cafeteria with Ferrite heard in voice over} "Carl Flyte, leader of the Negarangers! He can do just about anything ..." {Montage of scenes of Carl winning judo match, sinking winning basket, striking winning homerun, confidentially answering teacher, fixing car, and fighting really cheesy monsters who look like latest BBC Costuming Dept aliens for Dr. Who as Negaranger Red (At least we assume it's Carl in the last scene, like all of them there's no saying who's inside those helmets and all covering outfits} "...except decide who he's asking to the school dance!" {Camera pulls back to show teenage Azurite & teenage version Catharine Margrave glaring at each other across table. Carl looking like he'd rather be elsewhere. Scene changes to Titanite (also blond) waving at camera} "Tina Flyte, his twin sister and peacekeeper of the group ..." {Cut back to last scene except Tina's there and has distracted the other girls. All three are laughing over some joke and Carl's looking grateful for the rescue} "... who can kick butt when she has too!" {Negaranger Pink whacking leftover from "Claws of Axos". Cut back to teen Azurite in leather jacket} "Alice Zyte, toughest girl in school ..." {Alice tossing around several punks who were obviously picking on some cowering nerds} "... but with a soft spot for animals, flowers and Carl." {In rapid succession; Alice cuddling puppy, holding bouquet of roses, then watching Carl talking to teen Margrave and looking pissed. Cut to Negaranger Yellow putting major beating on monster. Scene changes to Margrave surrounded by boys.} "Margaret Brave, most popular girl at Shaziaar High. She can get any boy ... except the one she really wants" {Margaret watching Alice and Carl together. Looking very angry. Cut to Negaranger Black tearing tentacles off octopus monster. Scene changes to table with Carl, Tina, Alice, Marg & teen Pyrite talking. Track in on teen Pyrite who's typing on a laptop as he talks} "Peter Wright, a friend to everyone. Especially Alice." {Alice watching Carl & Marg dancing & looking unhappy. Peter offers her his arm, she nods and they head onto dance floor} "Quiet but he can fight when the going gets tough." {Negaranger Blue beating up aliens from Babylon 5 & Star Wars with excessive zeal. Scene shifts back to the five at the table then shifts right to reveal sullen teen Bogart sitting alone and not inviting company.} "Then there's the mysterious new addition. What is Magnus Cite really after and whose side is he on? Whatever he wants he can be handy to have around when the chips are down. {Outnumbered Red, Blue, Pink, Yellow & Black Negarangers getting pushed back by large horde of monsters. Suddenly Negaranger Green tears into them from the back and the tide turns} "They'll need all the help they can get to withstand the menace of Queen Serena and her sidekicks, Roy, Meanie, Aimless and Lotta." {Guess who in cheesy costumes (not that negarangers are fashion showplates) Voices heard over picture} Rei : "Roy?" Makoto: "What kind of a name is Lotta?" Minako: "Hey you're the one saying you've got the best talents." Ami: "And you did ask for a costume that would emphasis them." Makoto: "Well yeah but not only are chainmail bras cold they pinch like crazy!" Minako: "Hush, let Ferrite finish!" {Senshi joined by Negarangers with helmets off, everyone trying to look they don't think this is going to be a complete travesty} Ferrite: "All this and more in ... what do you mean adlib a title? Err ... Negarangers are Go! That'll do for now. Coming soon ... or possibly when hell freezes over. I need a drink. {Fading footsteps. Everyone looks at each other then starts drifting offstage. Someone in the control room wises up and cuts to the Saban logo.} Mark : Anyone who wants to take this anywhere is more than welcome to do so. Bye. From: Becky Malsin Here's stuff for your reading pleasure. Behind the Scenes: A Ninja About Town The Brocolli Puff is out of the oven, a heat spell is on it, and I have about an hour of two to chill before supper. Heading out of the kitchen, I press my bracelet to get out of these chef's clothes and into something comfortable. I know I want jeans but what else? Sailor Senshi shirt? Gap men's shirt? Ah, perfect. Shielding my "assets" is the top of the Niichuan Ninja gi Mom made me for wearing back in Mundania. How did you know I'm on a Piers Anthony binge? In the storefront Berk is pouring out his sorrows to my new assistant. He must have moved on from the bar he was at earlier. I catch something about trying to capture a floating idea. After ST:NG went out of syndication Guinan was looking for something to do so I offered to bring her in. It's a nice day so I've receded the walls and am letting the customers eat ala carte. I'm really happy that the MCS has become such a hit at the canteen. Beryl's enjoying some Thunderbugers at the other end. I think about stopping to say hi but then I see "Spock's World" in her hand. One definite way to get encrystalized is to bug Beryl when she's Trekking. Not many people know that she's the third biggest Trekkie (Trekker?) in the cast, only exceeded by Pyrite and RH's creation, Llarion. Sighing, I survey my surroundings. Hey! I thought Mark had banned the Knights Sabers from the sets because they had repeatedly tried to cause him bodily harm. Too bad because I wanted a flashback to Jadeite's death in Ch.4 of Rhi and Ti's. Actually it might be less work if I just reuse some of Mark's old footage. Still, I'd like a chance to talk to them. As far as you can tell with hardsuits, they look mad. Must not of killed Mark yet. Maybe I can detain them. True, he is a guy but he's a _nice_ guy and anyway he got me in SME. I owe it to him to let him live. Besides, if he expires V 2.0 will never finish. "Where are you guys going?" "We're gonna roast that little punk alive. Chris Davies will never write a fic again!" The figure in the blue hardsuit growls. The other Sabers nod along with Priss. Chris Davies? They're gonna kill Chris Davies? Oh happy day! Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed his Rei Trilogy alot. But when a guy insults your friends you kinda get a little steamed. After he does it repeatedly, you get a little more steamed. Eventually you send him a weird email entirely in caps lock that mimics the Annoying French Guy from Monty Python's Holy Grail. And when he calls you silly you turn him into a water sprite. Wait, that was Washu. (I identify alot with Washu.) Actually, I merely swore a life long blood feud on the little bastard. Still something doesn't seem quite right. They have all the right to be mad at CD after what he's done with them in fanfics but why now? "I thought you were mad at Mark." "We were but then he told us the real reason why he never finished Hurricane Season: Chris Davies mounted a cabal against him. That's why we're off to Alberta to cream him." Priss explains. Mark is one sly SOB, you must admit. He's solving two problems at one blow. And he gets to engage in splatterpunk through the Sabers. That stuff is generally not used in SME along with lemons. Even Andy isn't too graphic with the latter. "That's great. If you can, please bring me back some souvenirs. How about a picture or two of him in his misery? Oh, by the way, will you autograph my copy of "Konya wa Hurricane", Priss? It's my fave song of yours." The singer cum Saber complies with that wish and bids me goodbye. Luckily, I haven't done anything to get on their bad side yet. Hmm, what's that commotion at Mark's sets? Might as well see what's up. I notice that a few other authors are there as well as most of the cast. This must be big. In a very ninja-esque way I blend into the shadows. Only Shing or perhaps Sagin would be able to find me now. Hey, what's the band doing here? I'll find out later, first I need to see about the one who has ensured CD's death. He (Mark), Pyrite, and Azurite are deep in a three way conversation. Once his voice gets loud enough to here and I find out what he's doing. A music video! This must be the first cover of a song done; I remember Frank's parody from about a year ago or so. Almost immediately after Mark starts to get a little red. I wonder what made him so. Maybe the Ninjas were mentioned? The guys always get mad when the NN are mentioned, don't ask me why. Anyway, the band starts up and I'm serenaded by U2. I never knew that Az was such a lovely singer. Maybe we should put out an album of SME characters doing music since we already have her and Ferry. Unfortunately, we might need more than two people. Which means there's only one thing for me to do. Resolving to contact a few characters I've created and or worked with afterwards, I surrender myself to the artist at work. The rest of the shoot passes rather quickly. I do notice that Mark's been using the All Purpose Chibbifier. I thought that got lost just after Magic Ninjas Rayearth. Then I notice a little door, one I've seen at all of the guys' sets. My hypothesis is confirmed when I see Mark placing the Chibbifier onto the other side. I leave before I get too angry and blow my cover. Damn them! They lied to us about the lost equipment. I should have known that even CD wasn't pernicious enough to steal our equipment. It's not like the NN would have tried to Chibbify them. Not before anyway . . . Shaking my head, I resolve to talk to my co-Ninjas later about this little problem. Of course, how to foil them? I could get Rhi to reproduce those doors but that thing is combination locked. Damn, I'm not sexy enough for pillow talk. Not to mention too young. Oh well, I figure it out somehow. Reaching Avalon, I pick up the phone. After talking to the Ninjas Three about our upcoming meeting, as well as a few other characters about their stories, I dial up a close personal friend of mine. "Hi Rhi. Did you see Mark's music video? You did? Great. Anyway, I have a proposition for Bren and you . . ." And now presenting a new SME Music Video! {We see a cloaked figure standing on an icy world as the music starts
up. She starts singing wordlessly as the camera pans in to see her face.
It is revealed she is Rhiannon, and she shakes the hood off. Titles
grace the screen for a few seconds.} From: Ben L. Harrison
The majority of the SME staff, especially the major players were assembled at the Garrison. The Senshi, both Elder and Younger, their Significant Others and all the authors except one where given fount row seating at the theater. It was impressive the way they were treated. As each VIP arrived, she (or he) and their escort (if present) where shown to their seats by a Marine in full dress blues. Ferrite liked the fact that his escort rendered a salute at the door. All they had really been told was: 1. There was a concert for everyone who wanted to attend 2 Ben as host was going to be backstage a lot to help out and 3 the concert was NOT going to include bagpipes. However several people who didn't like the pipes didn't breath easy until Fi was seated, obviously without her instrument of choice. The stage was set up in a very professional manner, but a glimpse at one of the roadies set Ti's mind racing. * That looked like Sylvie from Bubblegum Crisis, but Mark said all the Sabers where out elsewhere * Try as she might though she couldn't get another glance to confirm or deny her theory. Meanwhile, backstage, the lead singer was talking to Ben. "You sure this won't cause problems?" "Nope, if anyone asks just remind them that you're from a parallel world. Although Ti and Rhi just might want to visit, just because of your 'Uncle R'. Oh and just incase you see someone with a bucket of water.." "I know what to do." "Ok, then lets get the show on the road"
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"Ladies and Gentlemen" said Ben as he walked out onto the darken stage, a single small spotlight following him. "Let me introduce you to the evening's entertainment. They call themselves 'LA Tina" and they will be asking for at least some audience participation." Then walking over to extreme stage right, the light still focused on him he added, "Lets begin." With that the spot went out and a female contralto belted out "What are you looking at!!!" A spot light suddenly lit off on a fairly tall woman was standing to one side of the stage. She was playing keyboards. She had long iron gray hair only she didn't look that old. She had a dancers body, a Latin dancers body. The dress she wore looked like it was made to allow free movement. Some of the Marines whistled. As they did a second spot illuminated a drum set just as set of bongos started to play. The light showed that a petite woman was the one playing the bongos. She had black hair and looked French, the beret she was wearing adding to the image. She had a body most men would be willing to kill to hold and a lot of women would be willing to die to have. The Marines cheers redoubled. And a few Senshi SO's found themselves in a possibly perilous situation. Then a bass line started. With it a third spot drew the onlookers eyes to a man playing some odd keyboard/guitar combination. It had two necks and was connected to some sort of amplifier/computer set up. The song was quickly recognized to Madonna's "Vogue". That is when the audience participation started. When the refrain of "Come on and Vogue" stated the Keyboard player/lead singer leaped off the stage and came up to Usagi and Minako and pulled them up to the stage. When the band kept repeating "Come on and Vogue" (and the Keyboard player showing them the basics) the two Blond Elders got the idea. And started to Vogue. The Keyboard player did show some excellent agility when she dodged Minako's very enthusiastic arm movements, all while keeping up with the song. When the song came to the lines "It don't matter if your black or white, if your a boy or a girl" the woman leaped off again and literally tossed a very surprised Calicate, Tom and Mamaru (in that order) onto the stage. A glow briefly surrounded her as she did the feat..... "If the music's pumping it will give you new life, SO GET UP ON THE DANCE FLOOR!!" Then once the SO's started (and Chrys 'ported up not to be left out) she got back up on stage and led them through the rest of the song. After the song was finished and the guests had been left the stage she took the mike. "Hi folks, as Ben said we are LA Tina." The way she said the groups name and the way she pointed at herself caused the crowd to groan at the pun (latina). "The L really stands for Louis, our guitar/synth player." Then she laughed for a moment. "I've seen the Tmask episode where Usagi thinks Ferrite was speaking French. Guess what Usagi, Louis is French!!" With that Louis racked his instrument and jumped off stage. He approached Usagi, bowed to both her and Mamaru kissed her hand and said something she didn't understand. "That's what French really sounds like!!" Then she laughed, "Just to set your mind at ease Mamaru he said he was honored to be here." As Louis got back on stage the gray haired woman waved her hand toward the other woman on stage. "The A stands for Angelique. Guess what people. SHE'S French too!!!" A quick drum riff with a cymbal crash followed that remark. "And she and Louis are an item" Some groans sounded at that remark. "And I, by process of elimination am Tina. I'm just your average," Ben was heard coughing loudly at that remark, "American girl from Dallas." "OK folks what we got planned is a series of songs that in some ways relates to your stories. Some of the connections are easy to see, others just show images that we think are appropriate for you'all. We are starting with one of the obvious ones now. The beat on the intro was something out of the 1960's. In fact Ferrite flashed on the "Summer of Love" After a moment to catch her breath Tina said, "Now the more observant of you may have noticed that Venus got left out of the last verse. There were a couple of reasons for that, mainly it was hard enough for just the planets We mentioned." Then seeing Minako raising her finger. Tina then pointed back. "Hey Lady, be careful, you don't know what's loaded around here. At Minako's slightly confused look she quickly added. "And there are a few songs that mention Venus specifically...Like this one" A hologram showed with Minako at the top of a mountain. Calicate was
also shown climbing it. It was the most recent version of the song. At the end of it Minako looked mollified. OK folks the next song is part of our usual set. It came to me suddenly that one of the gentlemen would fit. You see from my point of view, one of the songs themes is about the cycle of life, something Ferrite does know about. The song is 'Runner' originally by Manfried Man" The intro was a bit moody, leading to the following lyrics: The lyrics kept being repeated, softer and softer until the same chords that started the song ended it. "Now I've got something to say to one of the authors. If you've read the one story for my time line" at that she glanced slightly angrily at Ben, "That's made it to the net, you know I've got an 'Uncle' who I call 'Uncle R'. He and most of the male authors have got something in common. Well Becky..." She pointed at the teenager. "I don't like that, and while I will not do exactly what you did, you deserve something." With that she reached down behind her set up and produced a bucket of water. That by the condensation on it was very cold water. "Now what could be in here? Just very cold water? Spring of Drowned something? or perhaps extremely cold water from a spring of Drowned something? Hmmmm?" NN1 did show some very good moves as she headed for the door. She looked to home free when she heard "Oh Becky!!!" and a double crash of lightning occurred, once on stage and again just before the fleeing NN. "The renegades aren't the only ones here who can Teleport." **SPLASH** As the now soaked (and unchanged) NN1 was dried off Tina made it back to the stage. "Ohhh I bet Uncle R has wanted to do something like that sometime. Oh well.... Normally we end with Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive", but that doesn't quite feel right for here so...." Tina walked over to her keyboards. She had reset them so they would
sound like classic piano. What surprised everyone else was that Louis
and Angel simply got up and walked off stage. As the song continued the three Sabers were joined by Anrie and a few
others (most likely from the Garrison). All proceeded to breakdown the
staging. There was a bit of "mugging" going on behind her as well as
a few laughs when during the original song "Chicago" was substituted
with "Mega-Tokyo". But it was obvious that they were doing real work
as well Then the only Saber not accounted for showed up. Priss took up the
song As Priss continued to sing everyone simply walked of stage. But at the end Tina leaned back and said "The Senshi, their escorts and the authors are invited to backstage party. ==================================================================
From: Ben L. Harrison Bits and Pieces around the Party
"What do you mean Spring of Drowned Nothing?" shouted Becky. "Just that" replied Tina, sipping her coke. "Only cold water around that has no effect on J-curse. It's hard to get, which is why I only had one bucket. And because of your High position in the NN you got it." Nene bounced by obviously heading to Minako. She had just spent some time with Ami and Tom. "And what's with her?" "Well in my world she's a fan of the Senshi. Inherited copies of every single episode ever aired. This is like heaven to her. She told me that she's going to get every Senshi's autograph.
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Mark was nervous, granted these weren't the Sabers of Hurricane Season but... "No, you don't have to worry about my team Mark. Ben has waited almost as long to complete Beat of Defiance 2. If we go after any author it will be him.
===========================
Priss was looking around for any opening * I wish Tina could carry someone in a Teleport. This girl," she looked at Ti, "Is driving me crazy!!" "No, No, None of your business" she replied as Ti went down a few questions from a FAQ
===========================
"I think Ben is going to be jumping around with us when he starts on his other series again." Linna said to Rei. "He keeps muttering something about starships and "New Moskovia"
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Well this is just a bit, if anyone wants to add to it fine if not assume it was a nice party ==================================================================
From: the Evil Midnight Lurker what Lurks at Midnight (Sam Ashley)
High above the SME Back lot, a chubby guy in a moth suit hovered perilously close to the swirling chaos beyond. He held a Super Soaker XP 2,000,000,000: the most accurate, longest-range water pistol ever invented. Its magazine was filled to capacity with a liquid his agents had scoured five hundred Ranmaverses to acquire, the waters from the most dreaded cursed spring in the multiverse. Urusaichibiaoyoseiniichuan. Or rather, the instant niichuan onsen mix version thereof; giving anyone _this_ curse on a permanent basis would be Just Plain Wrong. Strapping a pair of high-tech binoculars that bore a striking resemblance to an old-style ViewMaster over his moth-goggles, the Evil Midnight Lurker what Lurks at Midnight scanned the sets below and chuckled maniacally (full-blown maniacal laughter might have been heard by his intended victims). Soon, the Niichuan Ninjas would learn the folly of... ...well... ...okay, it wasn't so much the folly of cursing everyone else as it was the folly of calling themselves ninjas. They should be heading out of the Millennium Coffee Shop right... about... _There._ The Lurker drew a bead on Sherlyn, preparing to go postal... "Sir! Great news!" "GAAH!" Spinning around in midair, he very nearly lost his grip on the 'Soaker. Floating a few feet away were Tetsuro Segawa and Jerry Steiner, both grinning like Chesire cats. "What the heck are you _doing_ up here?" "Oh, we just took care of Arkanfael," Tetsuro said casually. "We thought you'd like to know..." "With Mr. Gadeken missing for so long," Jerry continued, "we felt it best to come up with a backup plan. I noticed you hadn't had him learn any temporal magic..." "So we came up with a stasis field generator," Tetsuro concluded, "and slapped it onto Arky's trailer while he was going over the script. He won't even realize anything's happened when we let him out!" "What do you think, sir?" The Lurker smiled. "Nice going, boys, _very_ nice. I think that calls for twenty-percent raises for you both..." The two teen scientists whooped and high-fived, while the Lurker checked out the scenery below-which was now quite devoid of Ninjas. "_But_..." Jerry and Tetsuro paled and sweatdropped in unison. That smile had just turned nasty... "...For delaying my revenge," he grinned, "you get to field-test _this_ stuff!" The Soaker came up, and a high-pressure stream of water from the Spring of Drowned Annoying Little Blue Fairy washed over them both. "Don't worry, guys," the Lurker told the two sopping-wet Smurfs, "that was the one-shot version. Now scoot before I get _really_ annoyed..." Heading for the most isolated warpgate they could find, Jerry Smurf nudged Tetsuro Smurf. "Sir, is it me, or is he getting less stable than usual?" "It isn't just you. I think we ought to smurf this a closer..." Tetsuro stopped. "Did I just say what I thought I smurfed?" "I'm afraid so, sir. We'd better smurf some hot water, _fast_..." From: "Sherlyn Lim" {sherlynl@hotmail.com} Subject: Update
"Spawn and Sailor Moon. What next?" Shaking my head at the strange things that people get up to, I firmly suppressed an internal desire to see exactly _how_ Sailor Moon and Spawn can mix. "Lessee," I flipped through my omnipresent to-do list. "Ami story stuck at 80%, yadda yadda yadda... Ah! Becky's objection to a continuation of Rei's love life in the 30th century. Droid!" My obedient droid popped up out of nowhere. " Go ask Miss Becky what she objects to in the Rei story. Is it because she thinks that Rei should stick to the Yuchiro guy or is it just the way she resumes her love life that rankles? Get back to me pronto. I'm starting to film on Friday." The droid vanished and I get back to my list. "Get the various bits of snippets complied." I thought for a moment and penciled in 'Thursday' next to the words. "Should be able to get it to the list by then. And introduce the 30th century Saturn. Izumi? Could you come here a minute?" Saturn in all her black clad glory stuck her head around the doorway. "Yes?" "Oh, I just wanted to tell you that you'll be making your grand entrance in SME soon. Get in touch with the props and costume section, they'll have your things ready. Oh. And Mr. Barr will be collaborating, so be on your best behaviour and remember, no matter what Hotaru said, he IS a very good director." "Okay." The head vanished. I went back to the list. Hmm, so music video/concerts are the latest thing now, eh? I toyed briefly of the Idea of having Rei do Ms Brooks "Bitch" but discarded the idea. Something will come up. Something always does. "Schedule NN meeting" I smiled. Oh yes, it's been much too long... Sherlyn From: "Sherlyn Lim" Damn, damn, damn! I shuffled through the mess of papers on my desk hurriedly. I'd said that I would get the snippets out before the week and it's Monday and my schedule's totally off! I ripped off a quick note to Mark asking him about one of his characters; Mark What is a Unizaki Kurahata? Sherlyn [* Editor's note - It's a bad misspelling of Unazuki Furahata from R & SS *] Quickly, I told a passing droid to send the message over. Grabbing my briefcase, I rushed off to the new set. "Hi Sherlyn!" My new black clad leading lady, Izumi waved happily at me. "I'm all set, and we're all just waiting for you." "Good to be working with you again, Sherlyn." My other leading lady, Hotaru, offered a more restrained greeting. "Thanks, it's good to be back." I gave a happy, if somewhat tired sigh and looked around eagerly. The crew looked back at me expectantly and I grinned back and asked exuberantly, "Everything ready for the first scene?" "YES!" "All right, then, let's get cracking! Ready? ACTION!" "To die, perchance to dream. Opening scene one, take one." Strains of a soft haunting music wafted through the air, and the set grew dark, except for a single spotlight on a prone figure. A gust of fan generated wind blew a few cherry blossom petals into the light, where they swirled for a few seconds before disappearing into the darkness again. The camera focused onto the small prone figure curled up in a fetal position. Dressed in a black kimono, Izumi stares blankly out at the camera. The wind blew her short black hair wildly around her head and a sudden bolt of lightning cut right down across her face and the camera whites out for a second and thunder crashed, drowning the soft strains of music. As the drum roll of thunder slowly died down, the original soft slow music became more urgent. The brilliant flash of lightning slowly faded into a softer white. Grey shadowy figures begin to appear, in snatches, as if seen through a fog. The fog clears somewhat and the figures vanish and only an empty city scene can be seen. A fast drum beat began and the camera zoomed in to get a close up on two cloaked figures standing on top of a building. The figures start attacking and dodging in time to the music, throwing arcs of light around the set, always narrowly missing the other person. Finally one of them leapt up towards the camera and threw back the hood. Izumi's face glared out of the screen and an exceptionally strong gust of wind blew back the cloak, revealing her Saturn costume. Sailor Saturn put her hands together in a prayer like poise and gradually pulled them apart. A bar of black light sprang from her palms and she flexed her hands and gripped the bar, her face set in a mask of determination. Sailor Saturn quickly pirouetted and swung the bar around her. The bar extended out and became the Saturn Glaive. The blade gleamed in the light. The camera followed the blade as it rose up into the air, then held still as the Glaive descended and smashed down. As the Glaive descended, Izumi's tear-stained face can be seen in the background. The music stopped and the only thing that could be heard is the sound of breaking glass as a huge crack appeared diagonally across the scene. The entire still broke into jagged glass like pieces, falling into a unending vista of grey hued Sailor Saturns stretching out into eternity. As the pieces fell down, the figures of Sailor Saturn slowly vanished back into the grey background. The glass shards grew smaller and smaller as they fell and finally tinkled down around a nude Izumi, lying in a fetal position again. There was a moment of silence, then a blood red sakura petal drifted down, then two. Slowly, more and more cherry blossoms petals begin falling, partially covering Izumi. A slow steady heart-beat filled the air and a gentle fall of petals slowly cascaded down until the entire set is filled with the swirling blood red petals. Izumi lifted her head, a tear falling from one eye, and... sneezed. "ACHOO! 'cuse me. Ah, ah, AHCHOO!" "CUT!" I ran over to my new actress, the bits of glass and petals crunching under my feet. Tears were starting to stream from her eyes and her nose was bright red. "Sherlyn, I think... sniff... I'm allergic to your cherry...sniff, cherry blossoms...Aitchoo!" I rummaged around my pockets for a tissue and came up with a somewhat crumpled but clean kleenex. Izumi shook her head quickly and reached into a pocket of her skin colored body suit. She proceeded to daintily blew her nose with a clean white handkerchief with a Saturn signil embroidered in the corner. "Argh!" I stuffed the tissue back into my pocket, then pulled hard at my hair, fists clenched so tight that they turned white. I can't believe it! My big opening! I looked down at Izumi's dejected face as she continued sniffling and relented. "Forget it." I sighed. "Someone get the petals out of here, please." I leaned down and carefully helped Izumi to her feet. I turned and shouted over my shoulder to the crew, "And clear the glass, while you're at it." I turned back to Izumi and spoke in a much softer and resigned tone. "So much for the big sakura petal opening. Go back to your trailer and get some rest, Izumi. The last thing we want is for you to get sick and foul up Frank's schedule. I'll think of something."# # Izumi has chopped off her long black hair in order to star in the upcoming "To Die, Perchance to Dream" as Sailor Saturn/Midori. Her next appearance would be as herself/Sailor Saturn in Frank Barr's "Mission to Saturn". A GBTSW (Generic Behind The Scenes Worker) timidly sidled up to me. "Uh, Sherlyn, sir, I mean, uh, director sir? What do you want us to do now?" We turned around in unison to survey the scene around us. Some of the crew were sweeping up the petals, ready for storage to be reused in another scene, some were gingerly picking up the slivers of glass while yet others were waiting at their appointed stations /cameras or lights. I thought furiously for a second, "Isn't Hotaru still around here somewhere? Go tell her what happened and ask if she minds doing her scene first. And run over to Mr. Barr's and see if he can spare Ferrite, we'll do the Slogging in the Mud with Swamp Monster scene first." The GBTSW nodded and ran off shouting orders along the way. I shook my head tiredly and began calling out instructions for the new scene. An hour later, Hotaru and Ferrite were in the make-up tent preparing for the next take while I walked the youma through his part. A huge gloop coloured lizard type creature, he/she or it was perfect for the part. I stood on the ladder provided and shouted in the direction of his ear, "...remember Ernie, I don't want simple unadulterated menace, I want shades of hunger and irritation, and sheer grumpiness. Tell yourself, you're _The_ Swamp Thing and this is _your_ home and these two puny little things are walking all over your nice front lawn, making noise and waking you up from your nice nap and isn't it dinner time yet?" A series of hisses, gurgles and grunts issued from the monster's throat and a pale gleam entered his/her/its eye. The youma lifted his front leg and tried to give an okay sign as best he could, considering his webbed limbs. "Good, then you'll be on in five." I patted him on his back and scrambled down the ladder. My personal assistant, Jared, back from his holiday, cheerfully handed me a pair of thigh high boots encrusted with studs. I thanked him and started to take off my shoes. "Did you suddenly develop certain personal lifestyle habits that I don't want to know about, or did the local S & M shop have a big clearance sale?" A dry voice spoke from behind. "Ferrite." I nodded amiably to my borrowed leading man, pulling on the boots. "Need boots for protection against the mud in the next scene, not like you guys who get to wallow in the stuff." I slapped the top of the boot for emphasis and smiled a little maliciously. "How's Frank? Haven't heard from him for a while." Ferrite winced, but quickly recovered his usual nonchalant look. He shrugged offhandedly, "He's still around, busy writing I think. By the way, I have to be back by tonight. I've got rehearsals for the next few stories." "Okay, I'll try to wrap this up before 5pm. But hang around after we finish up, okay? I've got stuff that I want to pass to Frank." I turned to my P.A., "Get the stuff for Frank ready, will you? It's in my safe." "No problem." Ferrite was still standing beside me when I turned back. "So, have you finished memorizing the script?" Ferrite nodded, "It's a swamp scene. 'Nuff said." "Umm, not quite. I want to really bring out the dagginess of the place. It's worse than a dog house and it gives you the creeps, right? But in the Ferrite trademark, you do what you have to, okay?" Without waiting for his nod, I turned to a passing crew member. "Is Hotaru ready yet?" I asked guiltily. I can still hear Hotaru's heart-withering scream when she learned that we'll be doing yet another Saturn Swamp scene. "Yep. She's coming out right now." The crew member pointed to the makeup tent. "All right, then. Let's get this show on the road. Places, people. Remember what I said, Ferrite. And...Action!" Ferrite and Hotaru, carrying a backpack each and soaked thigh high in mud, began to tread wearily through the swamp. 'Guess Frank's method really works,' I thought, one eyebrow lifted in slight disbelief. "Ferrite and Hotaru are doing it perfectly. Practice really does make perfect.' Hotaru reached the pre-arranged Spot With Convenient Root Sticking Out and convincingly stumbles face down into the mud. Ferrite, unbelievably swift in his motions, reached and managed to snag her hand before she went down.
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"Thank you." Sailor Saturn said softly. Even with her pale face only centimeters away from the mud, the senshi managed to remain icily polite and aloof. Memories of Aphrodite's warmth and cheer stood out in stark contrast with the impressions of the Saturn senshi. She held out her other hand to me. Grunting slightly at the suction of the mud, I managed to pull her out onto safer ground. "Don't, mention, it." A glob of mud fell onto my once spotless uniform and I groaned internally. I rubbed ineffectually at the spot in an effort to get the mud off but only succeeded in making it worse. Giving the matter up as a hopeless case, given the current state of my uniform, I reflected upon the vagaries of Nature that created this dark, dank place. While it isn't hell, it comes pretty close to it in my book. The Saturnian ecology revolves around its swamps. The infamous Fire Swamps, filled with strange animals, plants and others things that only a Mercurian scientist could accurately categorize. It is a intricately linked ecosystem, with the Swamp itself being food, home and burial ground for all that live in it. Some have called it a living nightmare plunked into the reality of space, which I thought was a pretty good description for it. But for most of the things that can be found here, it's home. The swamp is a never-ending nightmare-I mean, circle, according to the guides. The noxious gases that is emitted by the dead matter reacts with the swamp water and the air to create a flammable gas which burns with an eerie purplish blue flame, which in turns produces the carbon dioxide that adds to the perpetual cloud cover over Saturn and feeds the phosphorus plants that are the main sources of light by which the creepy crawlies that live in the swamp revolve around. The creepy crawlies die and decompose and the whole thing starts all over again. The thought that I am wading through tonnes of dead decomposing things... I found myself walking more cautiously. I glanced over at my silent companion. Don't think she's spoken more than twenty words since this morning. The quiet of the swamp suddenly seems very oppressive, even to me and I found myself trying to make conversation to the Angel of Death herself. I guess that even speech with the Angel is better than this... silence. "So..." I began, brushing aside a vine that was hanging in my way. Thump! A split second later, I was looking at a wicked blade gleaming inches away from my face. The innocent looking 'vine' oozed away from the blade, leaking nauseating green slime behind it as it went. I wished fervently that I was back on Venus. Sailor Saturn looked at me calmly, "For novices in the swamp, it's best not to touch anything other than what the guide touches. It's safer that way." She worked her blade out of the tough spiny wood. "Right. Any more of these charming creatures where we're headed?" I asked causally. "Where the pirates are headed, no. But in this area... Hear that?" I stopped and listened intently, "I don't hear anything." I frowned. "Exactly." Sailor Saturn nodded in satisfaction. "There's probably a big reptile around that's keeping away the lesser predators. Maybe a {Swamp thing name here}. That's a 12 foot lizard like reptile with poisonous fangs, armor plated scales and claws. It's at the top of the food chain here, so if you see one, run." "You mean there's something the Saturn senshi can't destroy?" I blurted out in disbelief and instantly wished that I hadn't. Sailor Saturn turned pale, a remarkable feat considering her inborn pallor. She looked intently at me, her purple eyes gleaming in the twilight. Finally she spoke, "The {Swamp thing} is on the endangered species." Right. I wondered idly if I was on the list of endangered species, but gave up that thought as unworthy of a Guardian. The senshi, on the whole, have yet to fail in a mission, although the fact that her predecessor had just wiped out the better part of the Asteroids leaves something to be desired. I thought quietly to myself, [I am a Guardian. If she kills me, there will be repercussions. I am a Guardian...] A traitorous little voice piped up, interrupting my little chant. [But would the King really risk Earth-Saturn relationships for me? Endymion would but he's still young. And besides, I'm not really a true Guardian. Face it, I not ready to die. Not yet. Not even to take down Roberts.] I felt slightly better after reaffirming my will to live and trudged on with better spirits. Even stepping on something suspiciously squishy couldn't ruin my new mood. I stepped harder, and the peace of the swamp was broken with a very _loud_ hiss. A sound that could plausibly come from, say, that 12 foot monster right next to me. We froze in unison. Snatching at the remnants of my scattered good mood, I smiled maniacally at Saturn, "Is this the part where we get to run?" The first emotion I'd ever seen her produced flashed on her face. It was a perfect indication of my luck for the entire journey so far it was a look of perfect exasperation and irritation. "I'll take that as a yes," I mumbled under my breath as I dashed behind her. A cacophony of hungry sounding hisses and grunts resounded behind me and I risked a quick look behind, "Saturn, it's coming after us!" I yelled as I loosened my gun from its holster. Endangered species or no, I do not intend to be lizard food. I glanced at her to see if she noticed my actions and found a new problem. Sailor Saturn's tiny frame was just not suited to traveling in the swamp. Mud that came thigh-high to me was about waist-high to the diminutive senshi. Running away from this baby isn't going to work. I took a deep breath and stopped. Twisting ungracefully under the pressure of the mud, I fired three shots. "And... CUT." Waiting hands reached out to help the two actors out of the set, while others waited with buckets of water and towels. Hotaru and Ferrite accepted both gratefully and began to get rid of the worst of the damage. "Good work you two. Excellent portrayal, Ernie." I patted my weary actors, human and youma on their backs. "Go get changed, Ferrite, I'll have the things I want passed to Frank ready when you get out. Hotaru, check with my P.A. for tomorrow's schedule and Ernie? Stick around. I think you'll go far." I waited for all three actors to leave before scribbled quickly on a piece of paper, Dear Frank, Here's the short piece I promised. I don't know if it fits with what you already have, but feel free to mess around with it. Sherlyn p.s. Get back to me about what you think.
I stuffed the paper into an envelope and handed it to the camera man. Put this together with the film and make sure you get to Mr. Barr and the rest of the SME authors. I looked around again, great, everyone's busy and I quietly made my escape from the set back into my office. |
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